On Monday, May 8, 2023, the Natchitoches Parish School Board hired Natalie Ducote as the new principal of the Northwestern State University (NSU) Middle Laboratory School. Ducote’s position as principal will be effective on Thursday, June 1, 2023, for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year.
Natalie Ducote, a lifelong resident of Natchitoches, began her educational career in the Natchitoches School District in 2009. During her 12-year tenure with the district, Mrs. Ducote spent eight years in the classroom as a Kindergarten and Junior High Science teacher. She then served four years in administration as the principal of L.P. Vaughn Elementary School. Mrs. Ducote was on the staff of the NSU Middle Lab School as the school's science teacher in 2017 when the school was named a "National Blue Ribbon School.” She and her husband of 13 years, Keith Ducote, have four daughters Karmelya, Ava, Allie, and Charlee Ann.
"As a former student and teacher of the NSU Lab School system, I am beyond thrilled to return to Middle Lab as the school's Principal,” says Ducote. “I look forward to further developing the relationship between the College of Education, the students, teachers, and families of the Lab School system while working with the amazing team at NPSB.”
The Natchitoches Parish School Board is excited to see where Mrs. Ducote takes NSU Middle Lab School next school year. “We’re excited for the next chapter at Middle Lab,” says NPSB Superintendent Dr. Grant Eloi, “and believe that under Mrs. Ducote’s leadership, it will continue to get better and better.”
